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Are you planning a visit to West Virginia? Listed here are among the most enjoyable, thrilling, and adventure-filled issues to do in West Virginia. These breathtaking landscapes, nationwide parks, and charming cities are certain to make for an unforgettable journey.
Contemplating a visit to the Appalachian area? If that’s the case, you’re in for a deal with! West Virginia, also known as the “Mountain State,” is a hidden gem in the US that gives distinctive and thrilling experiences. From its wealthy historical past and tradition to its beautiful pure landscapes, West Virginia is a vacation spot that guarantees an unforgettable journey with an unimaginable array of issues to do for everybody to get pleasure from.
West Virginia is famend for its outside adventures. Its rugged mountains, lush forests, and speeding rivers present the proper setting for mountaineering, biking, rafting, and even mountaineering. However that’s not all. The state’s historical past as a pivotal participant within the coal business has left a legacy. This may be explored in its fascinating museums and historic websites.
From the charming streets of Harpers Ferry to the awe-inspiring fantastic thing about the New River Gorge, there’s no scarcity of issues to do in West Virginia. That can assist you plan your journey, I’ve compiled an inventory of among the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia. So, whether or not you’re an adrenaline junkie, a historical past buff, or somebody who merely appreciates the fantastic thing about nature, there’s one thing for you within the Mountain State.
West Virginia is a vacation spot that deserves to be on each traveler’s bucket record. So let’s prepare to find the perfect issues to do in West Virginia!
Finest Locations to Go to in West Virginia
Are you prepared to find the perfect issues to do in West Virginia? As beforehand talked about, there’s one thing for all to get pleasure from in West Virginia. Maintain studying to find why it’s one of the vital underrated states to go to in the US.
In case you’re on the lookout for the perfect nature spots and thrilling outside actions, West Virginia can cater to your needs. Moreover, if you happen to’re trying to find family-friendly points of interest and picturesque cities, the state has lots to supply. Listed here are all the perfect locations to go to in West Virginia that you must find out about!
1. Discover the New River Gorge Nationwide Park
Nestled within the coronary heart of West Virginia, the New River Gorge Nationwide Park is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in West Virginia for outside lovers. The park is residence to the New River, one of many oldest rivers on the continent. The river has carved a spectacular gorge famend for its white-water rapids and rugged cliffs.
For these searching for journey, the park presents a plethora of actions. You possibly can arrange camp below the celebs, solid a line within the river, or embark on a mountaineering path that winds by means of the luxurious panorama. In case you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll be able to even attempt your hand at white-water rafting.
The crown jewel of the park is undoubtedly the New River Gorge Bridge. This marvel of engineering stands 876 toes above the river. It’s the most photographed web site in all of West Virginia. The bridge presents phenomenal views of the encircling panorama. Because of this, it is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for adrenaline-pumping actions or simply wish to soak within the pure magnificence, New River Gorge Nationwide Park is a vacation spot that shouldn’t be missed when visiting West Virginia.
2. Loosen up in nature at Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park
Steeped in historical past and surrounded by pure magnificence, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park is one other must-visit vacation spot in West Virginia. The park is positioned on the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Due to this fact, it presents beautiful views and quite a lot of outside actions.
Harpers Ferry is greatest identified for its wealthy historical past. It was the location of a well-known abolitionist rebellion led by John Brown in 1859. This occasion performed a major position in sparking the Civil Warfare. At present, you’ll be able to discover the historic district. It options well-preserved Nineteenth-century buildings, museums, and displays that inform the story of the city’s previous.
However historical past isn’t the one draw right here. The park’s location presents loads of alternatives for mountaineering, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Appalachian Path additionally passes by means of Harpers Ferry, making it a well-liked spot for long-distance hikers.
With its mix of historical past and pure magnificence, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park presents a singular and enriching expertise for all guests. It’s simple to see why this attraction is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia!
3. Uncover the fantastic thing about Blackwater Falls State Park
Named for the amber-colored waters of the Blackwater River, Blackwater Falls State Park is a sight to behold. The park’s primary attraction is the Blackwater Falls, a cascading waterfall that plunges 5 tales into the river under. The “black” water is a results of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and pink spruce needles. This provides the falls a singular and mesmerizing look.
For nature lovers, the park presents a community of mountaineering trails that cater to all talent ranges. Some trails result in vantage factors providing beautiful views of the falls. Others wind by means of the park’s numerous panorama of wetlands, forests, and high-altitude bogs. Within the winter, the park transforms right into a snowy wonderland, with alternatives for cross-country snowboarding and sledding.
For individuals who want to prolong their keep, the park presents a lodge and cabins for in a single day lodging. With its awe-inspiring pure magnificence and array of outside actions, Blackwater Falls State Park is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia that nature lovers gained’t wish to miss.
4. Climb the well-known Seneca Rocks
West Virginia presents among the greatest locations to go to in the US for outside lovers, and this vacation spot isn’t any exception. Towering above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is without doubt one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. This imposing formation of Tuscarora quartzite is a sight to behold, rising almost 900 toes above the encircling panorama.
Seneca Rocks is a paradise for rock climbers, providing over 375 mapped climbing routes. The South Peak is especially notable. It’s the solely peak east of the Rockies that’s accessible solely by mountaineering.
Nevertheless, if mountaineering isn’t your factor, you’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from the fantastic thing about Seneca Rocks from the bottom. There’s a 1.3-mile path that results in an statement platform with beautiful views of the rocks and the encircling valley.
The close by Seneca Rocks Discovery Heart presents displays on native historical past and nature, and the world can be well-liked for fishing, with the North Fork River identified for its wonderful trout fishing.
Whether or not you’re an skilled climber, a fishing fanatic, or only a lover of pure magnificence, Seneca Rocks is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia.
5. Uncover the Lovely Monongahela Nationwide Forest
Spanning over 900,000 acres, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest is an unlimited expanse of pure magnificence that gives a wealth of leisure alternatives. The forest is residence to among the most numerous natural world in West Virginia, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife lovers.
The forest presents over 800 miles of trails, catering to hikers of all talent ranges. These trails wind by means of scenic landscapes, from high-altitude wetlands to spruce forests. The forest can be residence to a number of wilderness areas, providing a extra rugged and distant mountaineering expertise.
Along with mountaineering, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest presents alternatives for fishing, searching, and tenting. The forest’s rivers and streams are teeming with trout, whereas its huge panorama is residence to deer, turkeys, and different wildlife.
In case you’re trying to embark on a difficult hike, solid a line in a pristine stream, or just immerse your self in nature, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia that guarantees a memorable outside journey.
6. Discover the Charming City of Lewisburg
Named “the Coolest Small City in America” by Funds Journey, Lewisburg is an enthralling city that gives a mixture of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence. Positioned within the Greenbrier Valley of the Allegheny Mountains, Lewisburg is understood for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and pleasant neighborhood.
Downtown Lewisburg is a delight to discover, with its well-preserved 18th and Nineteenth-century structure, distinctive outlets, and native eating places. The city can be residence to Carnegie Corridor, one in all solely 4 Carnegie Halls on the planet, which presents quite a lot of cultural occasions and artwork displays.
Historical past buffs will admire the city’s wealthy previous, which might be explored on the North Home Museum. For nature lovers, the close by Greenbrier River Path presents mountaineering, biking, and bird-watching.
With its small-town attraction, wealthy historical past, and delightful environment, Lewisburg presents a singular and pleasing expertise for all guests. In case you’re on the lookout for the good issues to do in West Virginia, a visit to Lewisburg is a should to your itinerary!
7. Take pleasure in a scenic practice trip at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Calling all practice lovers! Step again in time with a go to to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. This historic park is residence to the Cass Scenic Railroad, a former logging railroad that has been transformed right into a heritage railway.
The spotlight of a go to to the park is a trip on the historic steam-driven locomotive. Top-of-the-line issues to do in West Virginia, the practice takes passengers on a scenic journey as much as Bald Knob, the third highest level within the state, providing beautiful views of the encircling panorama.
The park additionally options the corporate city of Cass, which has been preserved because it was within the early twentieth century. Guests can discover the historic properties, the corporate retailer, and the museum, which presents insights into the city’s historical past and the logging business.
With its historic attraction and scenic magnificence, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park presents a singular and pleasing expertise for guests of all ages. It’s simple to see why this is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia!
8. Uncover the Mysteries of the Mothman
On the lookout for distinctive issues to do in West Virginia? Head to the city of Level Nice to discover the mysteries of the Mothman. This legendary creature, mentioned to be a harbinger of catastrophe, was reportedly sighted within the space within the Nineteen Sixties.
The Mothman Museum presents a deep dive into this native legend, with displays that includes newspaper clippings, pictures, and eyewitness accounts. You’ll additionally discover a variety of Mothman merchandise and memorabilia.
Only a brief stroll from the museum, you’ll discover the Mothman Statue, a stainless-steel sculpture that stands over 12 toes tall. This spectacular statue is a well-liked picture spot for guests.
Whether or not you’re a fan of folklore, a lover of mysteries, or simply on the lookout for a singular expertise, the Mothman Museum and Statue are price a go to in your subsequent journey to West Virginia.
9. Discover the Depths of Seneca Caverns
Delve into the depths of the earth with a go to to Seneca Caverns. Positioned in Riverton, these caverns are one in all West Virginia’s hottest pure points of interest. The caverns have been found in 1742 by German settler Laven Teter, though they have been utilized by the Seneca Indians lengthy earlier than that.
A guided tour of the caverns takes you thru a collection of chambers, the place you’ll be able to marvel on the stalactites, stalagmites, and different mineral formations. The caverns preserve a continuing temperature of 54 levels Fahrenheit, making them a cool escape on a sizzling summer season day.
Above floor, the caverns supply gemstone mining, the place guests can sift by means of mining tough to seek out gem stones and fossils. There’s additionally a picnic space and a present store, making it one of the vital enjoyable and academic locations to go to in West Virginia for households.
10. Go to the Cultural Oasis of the Huntington Museum of Artwork
For a dose of tradition throughout your West Virginia go to, be sure that to cease by the Huntington Museum of Artwork. As the most important artwork museum within the state, it homes a formidable assortment of artwork and artifacts.
The museum’s collections span a variety of artwork types and intervals, from American and European work and sculptures to glass items, vintage firearms, and people artwork. The museum additionally encompasses a conservatory with a tropical and subtropical plant assortment.
Along with its everlasting collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions, artwork lessons, and particular occasions. Whether or not you’re an artwork aficionado or an informal customer, the Huntington Museum of Artwork presents a wealthy and numerous cultural expertise. As such, I like to recommend this factor to do in West Virginia to everybody I meet.
11. Journey into the Previous at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
In case you’re on the lookout for distinctive issues to do in West Virginia, this attraction is without doubt one of the greatest. To actually perceive West Virginia’s historical past, a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a should. This historic coal mine presents an interesting glimpse into the state’s mining historical past and the lifetime of coal miners.
A spotlight of the go to is the underground tour, the place you’ll board a mine automotive and journey again in time. Guided by veteran miners, you’ll be taught concerning the mining strategies, the equipment, and the each day lifetime of the miners.
Above floor, you’ll be able to discover the coal camp, which features a college, a church, and miner’s properties, every furnished to characterize a special decade within the twentieth century. The positioning additionally encompasses a museum with displays on coal historical past, mining artifacts, and a group of coal-related artwork.
12. Expertise the Appeal of the State Capital, Charleston
Because the capital and largest metropolis of West Virginia, Charleston presents a mix of city attraction, southern hospitality, and wealthy historical past. Nestled alongside the banks of the Kanawha River, Charleston is understood for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and outside leisure actions.
Town’s downtown space is a hub of exercise, with quite a lot of outlets, eating places, and cultural points of interest. The Capitol Market, a year-round farmer’s market, is a well-liked spot for locals and guests alike.
Charleston can be residence to a number of notable landmarks, together with the gold-domed West Virginia State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion. Town’s cultural choices embody the Clay Heart for the Arts & Sciences, which homes a live performance corridor, a planetarium, and an artwork museum.
Whether or not you’re exploring town’s historical past, having fun with a efficiency, or just strolling alongside the riverfront, Charleston is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia for households and {couples}.
Regularly Requested Questions (FAQ) concerning the Finest Issues to Do in West Virginia
On the lookout for extra info on the perfect issues to do in West Virginia? Listed here are some well-liked questions (and solutions) I get that may assist you to plan your journey to West Virginia:
What’s the most visited place in West Virginia?
Probably the most visited place in West Virginia is the New River Gorge. Designated as a Nationwide River in 1978, it’s celebrated for the New River Gorge Bridge, which is without doubt one of the longest metal span bridges on the planet and the centerpiece of the annual “Bridge Day” pageant. Each third Saturday in October, the bridge turns into a hotspot for BASE leaping, rappelling, and different adrenaline-pumping actions, attracting 1000’s of spectators.
Past the long-lasting bridge, the New River Gorge presents many different leisure actions. The New River itself is a well-liked location for white-water rafting, boasting each light flows and difficult rapids. Mountaineering, mountaineering, tenting, fishing, and fowl watching are different beloved actions within the space. The gorge’s beautiful vistas, dense forests, and numerous wildlife make it a first-rate vacation spot for each journey seekers and nature lovers. I first visited there again in 2020 earlier than it grew to become a nationwide park. At present, it’s extra well-liked than ever earlier than! What’s to not love about WV!
What’s West Virginia identified for?
West Virginia is understood for its beautiful pure magnificence, wealthy historical past, and outside leisure actions. It’s also known as the “Mountain State” because of its location within the Appalachian Mountains. The state is known for its coal mining historical past and can be residence to a number of notable landmarks, together with the New River Gorge Bridge and the historic city of Harpers Ferry.
What outside actions are you able to do in West Virginia?
West Virginia presents a wealth of outside actions, together with mountaineering, biking, fishing, white-water rafting, and mountaineering. The state’s quite a few state parks, forests, and rivers present the proper setting for these actions. Within the winter, areas like Snowshoe Mountain Resort supply snowboarding and different winter sports activities.
What’s the greatest time to go to West Virginia?
The very best time to go to West Virginia is dependent upon what you wish to do. For outside actions, the spring and fall seasons supply gentle climate and delightful surroundings. The autumn foliage in West Virginia is especially beautiful. In case you’re occupied with winter sports activities, the perfect time to go to is from December to February.
Is WV price visiting?
Completely! West Virginia, also known as “Nearly Heaven,” has a singular mix of pure magnificence, cultural heritage, and outside actions. This makes it a worthy vacation spot for quite a lot of vacationers. Right here’s why:
- Beautiful landscapes: West Virginia is famend for its breathtaking mountains, dense forests, and picturesque rivers. The state presents a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city areas.
- Out of doors adventures: For these searching for adrenaline, the state is a haven for white-water rafting, particularly within the New River Gorge. Moreover, there are ample alternatives for mountaineering, mountain biking, mountaineering, fishing, and tenting.
- Wealthy historical past: The state performed a pivotal position in the course of the Civil Warfare and has deep coal mining roots. Locations like Harpers Ferry, with its preserved historic buildings, inform tales of great moments in U.S. historical past.
- Cultural festivals: West Virginia hosts a myriad of festivals that commemorate its distinctive Appalachian tradition, together with music festivals, arts and crafts festivals, and heritage occasions.
- State parks and forests: With dozens of state parks and forests, together with Blackwater Falls State Park and Seneca Rocks, there are numerous pure wonders to discover.
- Thermal springs: The city of Berkeley Springs is famend for its heat mineral springs, providing a rejuvenating expertise for guests.
- Scenic drives: Routes just like the Highland Scenic Freeway present fascinating views, particularly in the course of the fall when the leaves change colours.
- Cave exploration: With quite a few caves, together with the Organ Cave and Seneca Caverns, spelunkers and curious vacationers can delve into the underground fantastic thing about the state.
In all, West Virginia presents a mixture of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence that may enchantment to historical past buffs, nature lovers, journey seekers, and people merely on the lookout for a peaceable retreat. It’s positively a state price including to your journey itinerary.
What are among the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia?
Some must-visit locations in West Virginia embody the New River Gorge Nationwide Park, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Seneca Rocks, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest, and the state capital, Charleston.
What distinctive experiences does West Virginia supply?
West Virginia presents a spread of distinctive experiences, from exploring historic coal mines and driving on a heritage railway to mountaineering at Seneca Rocks and white-water rafting within the New River Gorge. The state’s wealthy historical past and tradition might be skilled by means of its museums, historic cities, and cultural occasions.
Uncover the Mountain State: Wrap Up Your West Virginia Journey
West Virginia, with its beautiful landscapes, wealthy historical past, and pleasant individuals, is a vacation spot that gives one thing for everybody. Whether or not you’re an out of doors fanatic, a historical past buff, or somebody who merely appreciates the fantastic thing about nature, you’re certain to seek out one thing to like within the Mountain State.
So why wait? Begin planning your West Virginia journey right this moment and uncover why it’s among the best locations to go to in the US!
